Sandbox Residency

Areté’s Sandbox Residency Grant supports innovative, collaborative initiatives that combine research, artistic processes, and community engagement beyond the academic setting. It provides the resources for experimentation, ideation, and incubation to explore new problem spaces and develop creative solutions to pressing society’s wicked problems.

Processes such as human-centered design—focusing on empathy, problem definition, and iterative experimentation—are essential for developing meaningful solutions. The Sandbox Residency Grant is dedicated to providing not only financial support but also an environment that fosters the maturation, adaptation, and growth of ideas through collaboration, insightful feedback, and creative experimentation.

Themes for Cycle 2025

Philippine Education Reform

Projects that address gaps and challenges in the Philippine education system, including access to quality education, digital literacy, teacher development, and inclusive learning environments. Proposals may focus on innovative teaching methods, education policy, or tools to empower learners and educators.

Data-Driven Urban Resilience

Projects that explore ways to make cities more resilient to environmental, economic, and social challenges using data and technology. This may include predictive models for disaster preparedness, sustainable urban planning solutions, and participatory tools that engage communities in building resilient futures.

Sustainable Development - In collaboration with the Ateneo Institute for Sustainability (AIS)

Projects that challenge educators, designers, and innovators to explore, develop, and test creative proposals aimed at balancing environmental, social, and economic dimensions for long-term growth. Initiatives may involve campus sustainability, climate and disaster resilience, renewable energy, waste reduction strategies, circular economy models, or community-driven sustainability practices that address local or global challenges.

*While there are 3 main project themes, out-of-the-box proposals that tackle other areas and offer inventive solutions to contemporary challenges are also welcome.

Grant Benefits

Php 100,000 working capital
Priority access to the Eugenio Lopez Jr Makerspace (utilization of 3D printers, laser cutters, large format printers, among others)
Dedicated workspace in the Eduardo J Aboitiz Sandbox Zone for the entire Residency period
Php 50,000 space-use grant of Areté’s facilities
Participation in workshops on creative thinking, ideation, and problem-solving

Other Details

Team members may come from both Ateneo and external institutions.
The lead proponent must be a full-time faculty member from any unit of Ateneo de Manila University (AGS, AJHS, ASHS, AHE).
Each team must have at least three (3) members, ideally coming from more than one (1) discipline.
The Sandbox Residency Grant will support projects for an entire year.

Application Details

Requirements:

CVs of all team members

Lead Proponent must be a full-time faculty or staff member of Ateneo de Manila University

A 1,000 to 2,500-word proposal outlining:

The problem space being explored
How your project can offer a fresh perspective, explore a solution, or address a knowledge gap,
How play and experimentation influence your approach,
How your project champions interdisciplinary collaboration,
How your project can bridge the worlds of art and science,
Alignment with any of the university’s strategic priority areas:

Bridging Cultural Divides
Education Reform and Transformation
Integral Ecology
Universal Health and Wellbeing

Disclosure of any other research grants or funding sources connected to the project

Application Process ***(CLOSED)***

Fill up the application form at bit.ly/SandboxResidency2025NewApplication.
Deadline for applications is November 23, 2024.

Meet the Cycle 2025 Sandbox Residents

AI-Assisted Bone Fragment Analysis: Transforming Education in Forensics, Archaeology, and Medicine

The AI-Assisted Bone Fragment Analysis platform transforms learning in forensics, archaeology, and medicine through AI-powered bone recognition, 3D models, and gamified learning. Accessible via smartphones and VR, it enables hands-on exploration and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This innovative tool makes advanced skeletal analysis easier, more engaging, and widely available.

Developing Evidence-Informed Digital Materials To Prevent Bullying

In partnership with the Department of Education, this project aims to develop digital materials on bullying prevention. Using a human-centered design process, multi-disciplinal teams if college students will work with public school students in ideating, prototyping and evaluating tools that can be used in making our schools safer and more inclusive.

KLIMA: Approaches to Climate Literacy

The KLIMA: Approaches to Climate Literacy project develops climate education toolkits for primary school teachers by blending literature, climate science, and local narratives. It empowers educators to teach climate change through culturally relevant stories, fostering empathy and critical thinking in students. This interdisciplinary approach equips learners to address climate challenges while connecting to their cultural heritage.

Living Barrens: The biodiversity of sand and rubble habitats in popular muck diving spots of the Verde Island Passage

The Living Barrens project studies the biodiversity of soft-sediment habitats (SSHs) in popular muck diving areas of the Verde Island Passage, focusing on the fish and invertebrates that inhabit these ecosystems. Through scientific surveys and visual media, the project aims to raise awareness and promote the conservation of these vital, yet often overlooked, marine environments. The findings will support sustainable tourism and ecosystem protection in the Philippines.

MACC: Crystallographic Symmetries Y2

Crystallographic Symmetries in Repeating Patterns in the Klein Bottle and Tboli Baskets connects mathematics, art, and culture through innovative educational materials. It combines laser-engraved models, indigenous weaving patterns, and 3D designs to teach symmetry while promoting Philippine cultural heritage. The next phase aims to expand these efforts through workshops and instructional tools that enrich mathematics education and inspire educators.

Pawikan Do It Together! Addressing the challenges of sea turtle conservation through an NGO-student org collaboration

"Pawikan Do It Together!" is a collaborative initiative between the Ateneo Environmental Science Society (AESS) and the Pawikan Conservation Center (PCC) to enhance sea turtle conservation efforts. The project focuses on creating educational materials, citizen science opportunities, and monitoring protocols to improve public engagement and increase the Center's impact. Through interactive exhibits, educational talks, and hands-on activities, the project aims to raise awareness and inspire action for sea turtle conservation within the Ateneo community and beyond.

Project Kalikhasaan

Project Kalikhasaan is an arts-based initiative aimed at raising ecological awareness in urban areas. Through a nature journal, participants reflect on their surroundings by creating visual and literary art, promoting a deeper connection to urban sustainability. The project fosters a community of eco-journalers dedicated to environmental action and awareness.

The Role We Play: APOAMF’s People’s Plan, the Academe, and the UNSDGs

The Role We Play project empowers the Alliance of Peoples’ Organization along the Manggahan Floodway’s (APOAMF) community to advance climate-resilient housing through a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. By combining design thinking and the arts, it fosters youth leadership and strengthens the community’s advocacy for sustainable urban housing. This initiative bridges academic and grassroots efforts to address urban poverty and climate change.

The Well-being Project

The Well-being Project explores Filipino children's self-perception of emotional well-being through creative workshops like storytelling and role-playing. Led by a team of researchers, the project empowers children to share their experiences and co-create a culturally relevant definition of well-being. Ultimately, it aims to inform policies and promote mental health awareness in the Philippines.